Three charged in south Bethlehem assault, stabbing

Bethlehem police arrested three Allentown men for assaulting and stabbing a 26-year-old man in the south side early Friday.

William Colon Jr., 33, allegedly stabbed the victim, while Jorge L. Espada, 28, and Kuwas Wellington, 30, took part in the 12:20 a.m. assault in the 200 block of West Fourth Street, police said.

The victim, who was not identified, had two puncture wounds to the upper torso and was being treated at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where he was listed in stable condition on Friday, police said.

A Bethlehem police officer was on patrol on West Fourth Street when he saw the victim being assaulted by three men. Espada and Willington were arrested at the scene. Colon fled on foot, but was later arrested, police said.

Several witnesses said they saw Colon holding a knife during the assault. Police found a knife after searching the area where Colon fled, police said.

Colon, of the of 1900 block of West Linden Street, was charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, possession of an instrument of crime and false identification. Colon was sent to Northampton County Prison under $75,000 bail.

Espada, of the 700 block of Hanover Avenue, was charged with simple assault, reckless endangerment, harassment, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. Willington, of the 500 block of Walnut Street, was charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

They were both released when they sobered up and will receive their charges by summons.

Anyone who has information about the assault should contact Bethlehem police Detective Christopher Beebe at 610 997-7681.